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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Loose Stools
Posted on
Mon, 6 Feb 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 6 Feb 2017
Answered on
Tue, 7 Mar 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : Have loose stools. Had colon test Last yr at this time. Was has loose stoolbefore that. 3plopys taken off. was told to come back in 3 yrs,
Brief Answer:
infection is the most likely cause
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Growths in the colon take years to develop, this is the reason that the test does not need to be repeated for a few years. This means that it is not likely that your current symptoms are related to any growth in the colon
The most common reason for acute/recent onset loose stool is a viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and/or intestinal tract
Other causes would be food intolerance, lactose intolerance, side effect of medication
If the loose stool continue for a prolonged period of time (weeks), then other causes would need to be considered
Treatment for acute/recent onset loose stool include: (1) hold off all solid food till there is a 4 hour window with no symptoms. This gives the bowel time to heal
When this 4 hour window occurs, start with a small amount of dry foods eg plain rice, bread, biscuits
If this is tolerated, varied foods can be used
(2) fluids and electrolyes- this is important to prevent or treat any fluid or electrolyte loss
Sport drinks or oral rehydration drinks would be best
(3) probiotics - either on their own or with certain yogurts, would also be helpful to speed up healing
(4)medication such as the immodium.
Some persons do not use medication too soon because it is thought that it affects the virus or bacteria from leaving the body but if the loose stools are very severe, you can continue the immodium.
Pepto bisomol is another option
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
infection is the most likely cause
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Growths in the colon take years to develop, this is the reason that the test does not need to be repeated for a few years. This means that it is not likely that your current symptoms are related to any growth in the colon
The most common reason for acute/recent onset loose stool is a viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and/or intestinal tract
Other causes would be food intolerance, lactose intolerance, side effect of medication
If the loose stool continue for a prolonged period of time (weeks), then other causes would need to be considered
Treatment for acute/recent onset loose stool include: (1) hold off all solid food till there is a 4 hour window with no symptoms. This gives the bowel time to heal
When this 4 hour window occurs, start with a small amount of dry foods eg plain rice, bread, biscuits
If this is tolerated, varied foods can be used
(2) fluids and electrolyes- this is important to prevent or treat any fluid or electrolyte loss
Sport drinks or oral rehydration drinks would be best
(3) probiotics - either on their own or with certain yogurts, would also be helpful to speed up healing
(4)medication such as the immodium.
Some persons do not use medication too soon because it is thought that it affects the virus or bacteria from leaving the body but if the loose stools are very severe, you can continue the immodium.
Pepto bisomol is another option
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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